Judge Rebukes DOJ in Comey Case With Order for Rapid Evidence Turnover

Overview

• Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick said the case feels like “indict first, investigate later” during a hearing in Alexandria, Virginia.
• He directed prosecutors to produce grand jury records and other materials by Thursday evening in light of the January trial schedule.
• The court pressed the DOJ on whether it reviewed potentially attorney‑client‑privileged items seized under 2019–2020 warrants.
• Fitzpatrick noted the government held the trove for five and a half years, calling the resulting burden on the defense unfair.
• The DOJ filed a 48‑page brief arguing the President’s public posts did not drive charging decisions as Comey seeks dismissal for selective prosecution.